Clifton Independent School District

Clifton Independent School District

Oak Ridge High School

Agriculture Science Department

Student Handbook

Agriculture Science Teachers

Chad Baskin

Caitlyn Harris

Arretta Bateman

Oak Ridge High School

Agriculture Science Department

27330 Oak Ridge School Rd.

Conroe, Texas 77385

Dear Parents & Students:

It is with extreme pleasure that we welcome you to another great school year. We hope that you have had a well rested summer. The Agriculture Science Department has been very busy this summer preparing for the upcoming year.

This year you will be faced with great opportunities. Whether you are just enrolled in an agriculture science class or extensively involved in the FFA organization, it is our sincere goal that you excel in all areas of the Agriculture Science Department.

We are providing you an agriculture science department handbook that will include goals, objectives, discipline procedures, FFA information, and other helpful information. We ask that you take careful time reading the handbook. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the agriculture science department.

We look forward to having you in agriculture science this year.

Sincerely,

Chad Baskin, Arretta Bateman, and Caitlyn Harris

Agriculture Science Teachers

Oak Ridge High School

Oak Ridge High School

Agriculture Science Department

Student Handbook

Handbook Outline

Part IAg Department Goals/Objectives, Policies

Part II Oak Ridge Agriculture Livestock and Livestock Complex Policy

Eligibility for Complex:Page 8

Charges/Fees:Page 8

Parent Concerns:Page 8

Duties:Pages 8-9

Projects AllowedPage 9

Pen AssignmentsPage 9

Animal Welfare/FeedingPages 9-10

FeesPages 10-11

Showing RequirementsPages 11-12

Removal of AnimalsPages 12-13

Medication/SurgeryPage 13

Guest PolicyPage 14

PetsPage 14

Part IIIFFA Membership Information

Membership Types:Page 15

Contests: LDE’s and CDE’s:Page 15

Conventions:Page 16

Degrees/Awards:Page 16

Officer Selection:Pages 17-18

Letterman’s JacketPage 18

Part IVAppendix

Project Guidelines Form:Page 19

Project ContractPage 20

Student Information Form:Page 21

Letter Jacket Worksheet:Pages 22-23

Part I: Department Goals, Objectives, and Policies

The Oak Ridge Agriculture Science Department strives to give the student the opportunity to build premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. The program consists of three parts: Classroom and Laboratory Instruction, FFA, and Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE), which all work together collaboratively to give students every opportunity to learn and grow.

Classroom and laboratory instruction is given in many areas of agriculture to broaden the student’s knowledge and interest. Subjects covered include but are not limited to leadership, career exploration, Animal Science, Plant Science, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, and Business Operations.

The FFA Organization is an extension of the Agriculture Education Classroom which allows students to apply skills taught in the classroom. Members can become involved in competitions, leadership development conferences, State and National Conventions, scholarship opportunities, awards, and livestock exhibitions.

Department Goals

The Oak Ridge Agriculture Science Department strives to reach each of the following goals through both FFA and Agriculture Education.

1) To provide a strong and broad background of agriculture knowledge.

2) To provide students both classroom and laboratory instruction in all areas of agriculture.

3) To provide students positive reinforcement in their efforts while enrolled in agriculture education.

4) To encourage FFA membership and involvement in all areas of the FFA organization.

5) To provide students leadership skills necessary for career success.

Discipline Plan

The Oak Ridge Agriculture Science Department is a leadership-designed program. In order for each student to take advantage of available learning opportunities and to be a productive member of our community, each student is expected to maintain good conduct while enrolled in agriculture science.

Department Rules

1) Students are expected to show respect to fellow students, adults, teachers, and personal and department property at all times.

2) Students are expected to demonstrate courtesy.

3) Students are expected to behave in a responsible manner, using self-discipline and making themselves accountable for their actions.

4) Students are expected to attend class regularly and be on time.

5) Students are expected to be prepared for class. This includes bringing all necessary supplies for class.

6) Students are expected to refrain from profanity.

7) Absolutely no students are allowed in the office without prior approval from the agriculture science teachers.

8) Absolutely no food or drinks are allowed in the agriculture classrooms, shop, or greenhouse.

9) Horseplay will not be tolerated.

10) Students are expected to demonstrate good attitudes.

Consequences

Students who fail to abide by the Department Discipline Policy will be subject to disciplinary action according to the Student Handbook. The following are possible consequences:

  • Verbal Warning
  • Parent Notification
  • Parent/Student/Teacher Conference
  • Referral to Assistant Principal or Principal for disciplinary action at their discretion

Department Policy

Attendance

The attendance policy of the Oak Ridge Agriculture Science Department will follow that of the Conroe Independent School District Student Handbook. In order for the student to be successful, you must not only attend class, but also be on time as well. Truancies will not be tolerated. The District policy will be followed regarding such actions.

Students must keep in mind that absences for FFA Activities fall under the Conroe ISD Board policy FM (local). Students are limited to the number of school days that they can miss during a school year for all extracurricular activities combined.

Make Up Work

It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Ag Science Teachers regarding any work that was missed due to an absence, both school and non-school related absences. Every day in class is very important and the student will be held accountable for any information missed during class time.

Homework and Late Work

Homework and Late Work will align with Oak Ridge High School campus policy.

Grading Policy

Grades are a vital part of success in agriculture science. Students will be informed frequently of their progress in class, but students are also encouraged to contact the Agriculture Science Teachers regarding their individual progress in class. We have an open door policy which encourages students to contact us regarding any problems they may be having.

Grading policy will follow that of the ORHS Student Handbook Supplement.

Academic Dishonesty

The purpose of education is to create the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in the work place and in the world itself. Allowing someone else to do your work or copying from someone is only hurting yourself and it will not be tolerated. Cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action as written in the Student Handbook. Furthermore it will result in failure of that particular assignment.

Laboratory

Laboratory instruction is essential in the agriculture science curriculum. There will be many opportunities to work in the laboratory through out the year. Each student is expected to follow the rules set forth by the agriculture science department regarding shop safety practices and procedures. SAFETY is the main concern during any laboratory exercise.

Part II: Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex

And Livestock Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Oak Ridge Agricultural Project Facility (Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex) is to enhance and expand the student’s knowledge and skills associated with agriculture. The Complex is open to any student within Oak Ridge High School and is enrolled in an agriculture science class. Any projects kept at the Complex must be approved through the agriculture science teachers. Through combined efforts of the student, parent/guardian, and the Ag Science Teachers, the student will leave with the knowledge and skills it takes to be successful in the workplace and life.

General Information

The raising of livestock as a project is the most popular Supervised Agriculture Experience program (SAEP) that is conducted as part of the FFA program. The project is a cooperative effort of the student, parent/guardian, and advisor. It is designed as a training instrument. Its focus is to allow students the opportunity to apply information acquired in the classroom. The following guidelines are intended to clarify these responsibilities and define the requirements and expectations for the student, as well as the parent/guardian.

First, there are several areas that need clarification before the student undertakes a livestock project.

 The raising of livestock on the Agriculture Science’s project center is a student’s privilege, not a student’s right. Feeding rules, regulations, and guidelines must be strictly followed in order to reap the benefits of this privilege.

 Not all animals are of suitable quality for exhibition purpose. Most animals are of commercial quality and therefore rarely suited for exhibition in the show ring. Only those animals of superior confirmation should be selected. Therefore, the Agricultural Science Teacher should assist in the selection and ultimately approve the animal purchased and housed at the Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex at 10998 Fairview.

 Only a small percentage of those animals exhibited in the show ring will actually realize a profit. Do not be misled; this is not an easy money making proposition. The ultimate purpose of the livestock project is for a student to learn and understand those approved practices that will always an animal to reach its full genetic potential. Learning the true meaning of responsibility is another outcome of the project program.

Students are not required to keep their animal projects at the school facility. If the student has the means to house their animal project in a more convenient location, then they most certainly can. However, if a student chooses to keep their animal project in a location other than the school facility, they should understand the following:

  • The project will not be seen by an Agriculture teacher on a daily basis, as it would at the school facility,
  • Students will have to provide their own transportation for that animal to and from the school facility for reasons such as using scales, clipping, and preparing to leave for an out of town show.
  • Teachers will periodically, at pre-arranged times, need to come and visit the animal project.
  • All animal projects shall be housed within Conroe Independent School District boundaries.

Eligibility

The following is a list of eligibility requirements to use the Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex.

  • Student is enrolled as a student at Oak Ridge High School.
  • Student is enrolled in an Agriculture Science class and/or is an active member of the Oak Ridge FFA Chapter or Oak Ridge Jr. FFA.
  • All projects must be approved by the Agriculture Science Teachers.
  • There is limited space for animals at the Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex. Following is the order of preference to be followed in determining which students are able to house their projects at the school facility:
  • Members of Oak Ridge FFA, based upon years of active membership in FFA.
  • Members of Oak Ridge Junior FFA, based upon years in Jr. FFA.

***Once an animal is housed at the Complex, it will not be removed for the reason of making room for another student.

Charges

There will be a fee administered to a student for the use of the Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex. FFA members will be financially responsible for all cost associated with raising livestock. (Examples but not limited to: feed, shavings, hay, vet bills, and bedding material) Parents and FFA members will be responsible for any damages to the school facilities caused by students.

Parent Concerns: When a program or concern arises, the best way to resolve it is by following a set “chain-of-command.” Always begin with the supervising teacher.

Supervising Teacher—Assistant Principal—Principal—District Office

Student Responsibility: Students will assume full responsibility for the care and use of his/her respective pen and feed storage area. It is mandatory that those areas be kept clean and orderly at all times (areas will be subject to inspection at any time). Each pen must be cleaned daily. This includes adding fresh shavings to your pen during the feeding period. Student will receive a warning for first offense. The warning must be signed by the student, signed by the parent, and turned in to the agricultural science teacher no later than five days after the warning was given. After the first offense, the same process will occur, along with a discipline referral to the assistant principal. Those students who do not cooperate must remove their animals from the facilities (after 3rd offense).

Duplicate keys and/or combinations for all locks securing livestock and personal property must be given to the supervising teacher before installation of a lock. This will avoid damage to property if access becomes necessary by the supervising teacher or school authorities.

Students will be assigned additional duties on specific days. They will be responsible for general livestock sanitation in the total livestock facility including fly control and disease prevention. Any student who does not attend barn clean up days will be given warnings as mentioned above, and failure to comply will ultimately result in being removed from the Complex. If student can not attend a barn clean up day, they must make arrangements with their agricultural science teacher PRIOR to the event. Work and outside school activities are not an excuse for missing barn clean up days.

Projects

Projects at the Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex may include:

  • Cattle (Steers & Heifers)
  • Sheep
  • Swine
  • Goats
  • Chickens
  • Rabbits

There is a limited space available at the Complex. Students may only be allowed a specific amount of projects at the Complex, depending on the availability. Any and all projects must be approved and supervised through the Agriculture Science Teachers.

Pen Assignments

Each student will be assigned a pen by the Agriculture Science Teachers. There will be no changing of pens without prior approval from the AST. If pen spaces become needed, sharing of pen spaces may be required.

Animal Welfare

Each student will be responsible for assuring the proper health of their own animal project. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Abuse of animals
  • Daily feeding and watering
  • Daily cleaning of animal pens
  • Any required veterinary care
  • Regular working / exercise

Feeding Requirements: Projects must be fed and checked for sickness in the morning and the evening. In order for us to monitor the well being and growth of the animal project: we will require those students with projects at the Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex to keep a notebook at their pen and record daily activities in ink. Ag teachers will check these to see what progress is taking place. The notebooks are for record keeping and communication between students and the agriculture teachers and not for others to write in. This is mandatory, not voluntary.

Students determined to be in violation of this rule will face disciplinary action.

Specific feeding information: After the animal has been selected and put on feed, the supervising teacher will make available more detailed information on care of specific types of livestock. The student must attend mandatory livestock feeders meetings for information and education on their specific livestock project.

Liability: Conroe ISD will assume NO responsibility for accidents or injuries to students, parents, visitors or livestock resulting from the use of the facilities, equipment or livestock owned by other persons. No alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, tobacco products, knives, small weapons, or firearms will be allowed. Any student or parent in possession of these item(s) will have their project evicted at the owner’s expense.

Facility use Fees: Each animal that will be raised on the Otwell Agricultural Park and Livestock Complex must pay a facility use fee prior to the animal being moved on to the complex.

The facility use fees will be evaluated on a yearly basis. The fees listed below are for facility use only. The current facility use fees are as follows:

For the 2014-15 school year, the facility fees will be $150 per animal project per exhibitor for Cattle, Goat, Sheep, and Swine. If a student has more than one of these species of animals, they will be charged $50 per animal for each additional animal.

Broiler projects will be charged $75.00 per pen, per growing cycle.

Rabbit projects will be charged $150 per school year, per breeding trio and offspring.

Pasture use: Available for use upon approval of Agriculture teachers.

Other fees: Other fees that may be associated with a student’s livestock project (but not limited to) are validation fees, entry fees, medication fees, or transportation fees.

Top View